Now comes the big question . . . what happens next?

THE Leave vote has undoubtedly shaken up the political establishment, which until well into Thursday’s overnight count was convinced it would ‘win’ and Britain would stay.

Worryingly, it has also exposed a dangerous disconnect between Westminster and the people it purports to represent, as well as between the capital and large parts of England.

Emotions are understandably running high and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months.

The divisive and bruising episode means the next inhabitant of No. 10 will have their work cut out in bringing the nation back together.

By far the most significant intervention in the aftermath of the vote came from a sombre Boris Johnson.

Always a candidate to replace Mr Cameron, his victory speech-comesales pitch fired the starting gun on his bid for the Tory leadership.

Boris the Buffoon, the court jester, was nowhere in sight.

Clearly going for statesmanlike, his measured delivery was calm and serious.

Earlier the Prime Minister had said he wouldn’t be the one to steer the UK to her next destination.

Well, here was BoJo saying “pick me”, “I’ll steady the ship”, “I’ll wear the captain’s hat”.

The biggest threat to the ex-London mayor’s dream of nabbing the top job comes in the form of Theresa May, the Home Secretary who pragmatically stayed largely quiet throughout the EU referendum debate.

She backed Remain but not with any public zeal and her tough stance on immigration – don’t forget her conference speech last year – will appeal to those in her party who supported the Leave campaign.

As such, she could be the perfect unity candidate, the person to start the Conservatives’ healing process.

Unlike the Tories, there are no obvious players to replace Mr Corbyn, who is facing a no-confidence vote next week amid accusations he let down the Remain camp by his lack of passion for staying in.

Some of his MPs want him out in time for a possible snap general election come the autumn following the Tory leadership contest.

But Labour needs to work out what its new leader would stand for, so he may not go just yet.

One thing is for sure, the political establishment will have its work cut out this summer as it tries to work out what has happened and, more importantly, what comes next.